Raton Subdivision.. How long?

[Will Jordan]

If you're fascinated with antique signals or the Santa Fe like myself, then you are by default interested in the Raton Subdivision for quite obvious reasons. For those unfamiliar with it, there are plenty of spectacular shots on RP that can be dug up with a quick search for of "Raton Subdivision". Anyway, for those who are and have been aware of it, the number question has been how long will the blades last? I've heard multiple different answers. Some sources said they wouldn't see summer's end (2016) and I've also heard multiple other timeframes thrown around. Reason I'm making the post is to try and get someone with possibly a little more inside connection that what I've been able to scratch up on Facebook. All help is appreciated as always!

- Will Jordan
My RP shots are HERE
My Flickr is HERE

[miningcamper1]

Originally Posted by Will Jordan

If you're fascinated with antique signals or the Santa Fe like myself, then you are by default interested in the Raton Subdivision for quite obvious reasons. For those unfamiliar with it, there are plenty of spectacular shots on RP that can be dug up with a quick search for of "Raton Subdivision". Anyway, for those who are and have been aware of it, the number question has been how long will the blades last? I've heard multiple different answers. Some sources said they wouldn't see summer's end (2016) and I've also heard multiple other timeframes thrown around. Reason I'm making the post is to try and get someone with possibly a little more inside connection that what I've been able to scratch up on Facebook. All help is appreciated as always!

Given Amtrak's chronic underfunding, perhaps we should be more concerned with the survival of the route itself. Unless BNSF decides to run freight that way once again, the future looks bleak for a long stretch with little more than a pair of passenger trains.

[J]

The following Railway Track and Structures article from last August discusses state funding to maintain the line for service.


http://www.rtands.com/index.php/pass...novations.html